The method for controlling the withdrawal of the electrode in an NC electric-discharge machine permits a linear withdrawal of the electrode to a forward position at least two blocks preceding the present forward position from the workpiece according to a withdrawal command received by the NC unit and with a high efficiency while a workpiece is being machined with electric discharges made between the electrode and the workpiece with the former being forwarded in relation to the latter according to a control information including positioning commands given to the NC unit for each block.